North Korea has launched a medium-range ballistic missile.

The launch took place from the Pyongyang area at approximately 12 o'clock local time, according to military reports. This marks the first missile launch by North Korea in the new year.

It is noted that the launch occurred during the visit of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to South Korea.

• The last ballistic missile launch by North Korea occurred on November 5, the day before the U.S. presidential elections.
• On October 31, North Korea fired an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan just days before the U.S. elections. Kim Jong Un described the missile tests as a "response to enemies."
• UN Security Council sanctions prohibit North Korea from conducting missile tests. Meanwhile, Russia is regularly accused of violating the sanctions regime against Pyongyang following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Moscow denies these allegations.